Iñigo Pérez’s side claimed their second consecutive victory after defeating Levante thanks to goals from Ayoze, Moleiro and Mikautadze
Villarreal have taken off. The Yellows defeated Levante (3-1) in a derby clearly dominated by the hosts. Thanks to goals from Ayoze, Moleiro and Mikautadze, the Yellow Submarine secured their first win of the season at the Estadio de la Cerámica after a superb performance that finally puts an inconsistent start behind them and gives them two highly valuable victories before the international break.
The Yellow Submarine welcomed the Valencian side to La Cerámica after earning a well-deserved and morale-boosting victory in Málaga (1-3). The win at La Rosaleda filled Iñigo Pérez’s men with confidence, helping them leave behind a negative run in which they had failed to achieve the results they were looking for.
Looking to reproduce the fresh and brave display shown on the Costa del Sol, Iñigo Pérez named 10 of the 11 players who started at La Rosaleda. The only change saw Gueye, who scored a brace, replace the injured Comesaña.
Villarreal started the match better than their opponents. Pérez’s side had the first opportunity shortly after the third minute. Ayoze was unable to connect properly with a fine pass from Ilias Akhomach, who had beaten his marker with a fantastic individual move inside the area.
Every ball played to the Spanish-Moroccan winger looked dangerous. The Yellows No.11 was a constant threat down the right flank. After the opening quarter of an hour, another dangerous move from his boots created a promising opportunity, but Ayoze’s flick at the near post failed to find a teammate.
Levante also threatened in the opening stages. Before the 20th minute, Luis Castro’s side created a chance to take the lead at La Cerámica. Thiago Fernández, on loan from Villarreal, failed to hit the target after cutting inside his defender inside the penalty area.
Despite the visitors’ warning, Villarreal controlled proceedings and continued creating danger. Shortly afterwards, Ayoze missed a one-on-one chance against Ryan after a transition started by Moleiro following a turnover from the Valencian side.
Before the half-hour mark, Moleiro tried his luck with a shot from the edge of the area that drifted wide. The No.10 threatened after receiving a clever lay-off from Alex Freeman, who had made a run behind the opposition defence.
In the 38th minute, Ayoze came close to scoring once again following a wonderful move down the left-hand side. The forward eventually found the net in the 41st minute. The Yellow No.22 beat Ryan in a one-on-one situation after a superb one-two with Moleiro, who is looking increasingly comfortable wearing the No.10 shirt.
Luck still refused to smile on Villarreal at La Cerámica. Just as had happened against Dépor and Betis, Levante responded by levelling the game within a minute. With a spectacular acrobatic finish, Iván Romero made it 1-1 just before half-time. It was a major blow for the Yellow Submarine, who once again saw fortune turn against them after an excellent first half.
It was time to trust the good work being done and continue along the same path. And that is exactly what Villarreal did at the start of the second half. They emerged with confidence and determination.
In the 53rd minute, a player in inspired form, Ilias Akhomach, produced a moment of brilliance to set up Moleiro, who made no mistake in scoring for 2-1. The Tenerife-born midfielder beat Ryan after receiving a backheel assist from the talented Spanish-Moroccan winger. A magnificent goal that brought La Cerámica to its feet.
After regaining the lead, Iñigo Pérez’s side showed maturity, organisation and composure in possession. The Villarreal coach introduced Gerard and Mikautadze in a first double substitution before bringing on Mouriño and Pepe in a second change.
Only a Toljan effort deflected by Mouriño and a Brugué header, both in the 83rd minute, threatened Villarreal’s advantage. The Yellows then sealed the victory three minutes later through Georges Mikautadze. The Georgian striker beat Ryan after collecting an excellent through ball from Alberto Moleiro, who quickly released possession following a recovery from Gerard Moreno.
